The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Mediterranean Knights of Libya 1-0 in their third African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match.
In the dramatic game in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, Dele-Bashiru stole the spotlight, delivering a late-game winner that gave Nigeria a hard-fought victory.
The midfielder, brought on as a substitute, made an instant impact, striking in the 86th minute to break the deadlock after a tense, cagey affair.
It is learnt the Eagles will play the return match away in Libya on Tuesday, October 15.
The Super Eagles had struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, facing a stubborn Libyan defence that absorbed waves of Nigerian pressure.
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With time running out and frustration mounting, Nigeria launched a rapid counterattack that saw the German-born player finish with precision, calmly slotting home to send the Uyo crowd into a frenzy.
The win boosts Nigeria’s qualification hopes, and the on-loan Lazio midfielder’s late heroics highlight his growing importance in the squad.
Libya, to their credit, put up a valiant fight, but Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the dying moments.
The victory keeps the Super Eagles firmly on course for a spot in AFCON 2025, with the 23-year-old emerging as the night’s unlikely hero.
Earlier, in the 70th minute, Samuel Chukwueze missed a one-on-one chance that could have put Nigeria ahead.
thought he had doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 83rd minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Meanwhile,Nigeria leads the Group D table with seven points, followed closely by Rwanda, who have garnered six points from three games played.
Rwanda has two points, while Libya sits at the bottom with one point.
Benin beat Rwanda 3-0 on Friday evening.
The Super Eagles relied on Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon in their attack against Libya in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, following the injury of Victor Osimhen.
Lookman and Boniface featured prominently in the Eagles’ last two matches against the Benin Republic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Rwanda in Kigali.
Simon, who came off the bench in both matches, started in place of Samuel Chukwueze.
Stanley Nwabali continued as the goalkeeper, with Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Calvin Bassey forming the defensive line.
In midfield, coach Austin Eguavoen opted for Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi to anchor the midfield for the three-time African champions.